Watch Pull of Gravity

Pull of Gravity is a captivating and thought-provoking 2013 independent feature film directed by Mitch Aunger. It tells the story of Alex (Lori Petty) and Sam (Robb Pruitt), two down-on-their-luck ex-cons who have just been released from prison and are struggling to adjust to life on the outside. Both are recovering drug addicts with a history of criminal behavior, and they find themselves facing a number of challenges as they try to turn their lives around.

The film opens with Alex and Sam leaving prison and attempting to navigate the complexities of life on parole. They are assigned to a halfway house in a run-down neighborhood, where they meet a colorful cast of characters: a transgender prostitute named Lila (Allison Paras), a friendly drug dealer named Avery (Ted Welch), and a no-nonsense parole officer named Tyler (Barry Corbin). Despite the difficulties they encounter, Alex and Sam are determined to make a fresh start and leave their criminal past behind.

One of the central themes of Pull of Gravity is the struggle to overcome addiction. Alex and Sam are both in the early stages of recovery, and they must grapple with the temptation to relapse into old habits. The film portrays addiction in a realistic and unflinching way, exposing the toll it takes on individuals and their relationships. Alex struggles with feelings of guilt and shame over the harm she has caused to others, while Sam tries to reconcile with his estranged family and make amends for his past mistakes.

Another key aspect of the film is its exploration of the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by ex-offenders. Alex and Sam are treated with suspicion and hostility by many of the people they encounter, who dismiss them as "junkies" and "criminals." They must navigate a web of rules and regulations that seem designed to trip them up and send them back to prison. Meanwhile, Tyler struggles to balance his duty to enforce the law with his desire to see Alex and Sam succeed.

Pull of Gravity is a film that defies easy categorization. It is at times funny, poignant, and raw, and it skillfully balances moments of drama with a wry sense of humor. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Petty and Pruitt turning in nuanced and compelling performances as the troubled protagonists. The supporting cast is also strong, with Paras and Welch in particular standing out with their portrayals of complex and sympathetic characters.

One of the most striking things about Pull of Gravity is its visual aesthetic. The film was shot in black and white, a choice that gives it a distinctive and timeless feel. The stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the film's themes of redemption and second chances, and gives the characters a sense of depth and complexity. The use of close-ups and handheld camera work also creates a feeling of intimacy, drawing the audience in and immersing them in the world of the film.

Overall, Pull of Gravity is a powerful and resonant film that confronts difficult topics with honesty and compassion. It explores the effects of addiction, the challenges of reintegration into society after a period of incarceration, and the possibility of redemption and forgiveness. Through its engaging characters and skillful storytelling, the film challenges the viewer to consider their own biases and assumptions, and to see the humanity in those who are often marginalized by society.

Pull of Gravity is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.